Lahore, August 21, 2024: The Punjab government has officially notified the establishment of the Minority Parliamentary Caucus in the Provincial Assembly after the much-anticipated election for the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs and Human Rights was postponed. Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, has been appointed as the convener of the newly formed caucus, while Raheela Khadim Hussain will serve as the deputy convener.

The formation of the 12-member Minority Parliamentary Caucus comes in response to a motion presented by Shakeela Javed Arthur, a Member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA) from Sialkot, during the assembly’s August 11 session. Arthur had demanded the formation of a caucus specifically dedicated to addressing the concerns of minority communities across the province. Her motion emphasized the need for structured representation within the assembly to highlight and address the unique challenges faced by minorities.

This caucus will be established under the Department of Human Rights and Minority Affairs, with members appointed by the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions regarding minority rights.

The caucus will consist of the following 12 members: Ramesh Singh Arora, who will serve as the convener and Provincial Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs; Raheela Khadim Hussain, the deputy convener; Falbous Christopher, Qudsia Batool, Shazia Abid, Ashifa Riaz Fatyana, Uzma Kardar, Sonia Asher, Amjad Ali Javed from Toba Tek Singh, Emmanuel Athar Julius from Gujranwala, Ijaz Alam Augustine, and Shakeela Javed Arthur, the initiator of the motion.

The timing of the caucus formation is particularly significant, as just a day earlier, the election for the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Minority Affairs and Human Rights was halted due to internal opposition. Ijaz Alam Augustine, who was a candidate for the Chairman position, faced resistance during the proceedings. It was reported that the Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) had not yet finalized its policy, leading to a postponement of the election. The election is expected to be rescheduled for a later date.

The absence of a Chairman has delayed the formation and functioning of the Standing Committee, which plays a crucial role in the legislative process. The Standing Committee is responsible for reviewing legislation and overseeing the ministry's work. Without leadership, the committee’s proceedings have stalled, prompting the government to expedite the formation of the Minority Parliamentary Caucus to ensure minority issues continue to be addressed without interruption.

The Minority Parliamentary Caucus will prioritize the needs of minority communities in Punjab, focusing on resolving daily issues and advocating for their rights. Several caucus members have been selected from districts that have faced significant challenges related to minority rights, including blasphemy accusations and social unrest. These representatives will work together to develop strategies to prevent and address such incidents in the future.

“This caucus will not only serve as a voice for minorities in Punjab but also demonstrate to the world that the assembly is committed to ensuring that minority concerns are heard and acted upon,” said Shakeela Javed Arthur, reflecting on the broader significance of the caucus’s establishment.

The first meeting of the Minority Parliamentary Caucus is expected to take place soon, during which members will outline the caucus’s agenda and future course of action. The proceedings of this inaugural meeting will provide clarity on the caucus’s operational procedures and its plans for advancing minority rights within the province.

Ramesh Singh Arora, the caucus’s convener, expressed his optimism about the impact of this newly formed body. “The caucus represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights of minorities. It will provide a structured forum for addressing their concerns, ensuring that they have representation and a voice in the legislative process,” he said.

As the Minority Parliamentary Caucus begins its work, the government hopes that this initiative will foster greater inclusivity and address the long-standing grievances of minority communities in Punjab. The caucus will play an essential role in shaping policies and facilitating legislation that guarantees the protection and welfare of minorities, laying a foundation for more comprehensive social and political integration.